IMG Models' Kyle Hagler Exits for Next Management (Exclusive)

In the wake of IMG's acquisition by WME, the longtime agency vet has left to become president of Next New York.

IMG Models senior manager Kyle Hagler has joined rival modeling agency Next Management as president of its New York division, The Hollywood Reporter has learned. Hagler will report to Next co-CEOs Faith Kates and Joel Wilkenfeld.

“Kyle is a brilliant manager and a creative strategist,” Kates said in a statement. “We are so excited to be working with him and look forward to his ideas and experience in this ever-changing industry. He is a star maker with an amazing eye for talent and such elegant style!”

During his 17-year career at IMG, he launched the careers of Joan Smalls, Hilary Rhoda and Liya Kebede. He has also worked with Heidi Klum and Naomi Campbell and repped Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Karmen Pedaru. IMG Worldwide was acquired by WME last month after the Hollywood agency submitted a winning $2.35 billion bid.